Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Healthy Breakfast Casserole with Eggs, Sausage and Broccoli

This dish is easy, good for you and ideal for feeding a group. With potatoes and sausage, it's also satisfying without relying on hunks of bread and a lot of cheese like a typical strata, or other baked breakfast casseroles. You still get richness in the form of cottage cheese and flavorful cheddar, and I like that it combines both whole eggs and just whites.

I made this when we had guests over the weekend and I think it will become my go-to brunchy thing when I have company. Enjoy with hot sauce and something less healthy on the side, like mini cream scones or goat cheese biscuits!

Healthy Breakfast Casserole with Eggs, Sausage and Broccoli
Adapted from Taste of Home.Liquid egg whites work great here and save you time (and possibly wasted egg yolks). For the chicken sausage, I really like Brat Hans brand spicy Italian. They are natural, nitrate-free and fully cooked.

Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly coast a 9 x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Place potatoes and water in a microwave-safe dish and microwave until just tender, stirring 2 or 3 times, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain water and spread potatoes evenly in prepared baking dish. Top with sausage. Cut any large broccoli florets into smaller chunks and add to baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and egg whites. Add remaining ingredients (except hot sauce) and whisk to combine. Pour into baking dish and bake, uncovered, until center is set, about 45 minutes. Rest 10 minutes, slice and serve with hot sauce, if desired.

Julie O'Hara Chicago, IL

Welcome! I'm a freelance recipe developer and writer for magazines like Shape, Clean Eating and National Geographic Traveler. View my work at julieoharawriter.com. I love your emails and comments--thanks for reading!